Nieu-Bethesda is a charming village, nestling in a scenic valley in the foothills of the “Sneeuberg”. Here you can see the watermill erected in 1860 and the 1905 Dutch Reformed church with its finely carved wooden pews.
The Owl house, with its hundreds of cement and glass camels, owls, naked man and women, lambs, sphinxes—all work of “Miss Helen” Martins. The Owl House was the setting for playwright Athol Fugard’s “The road to Mecca”. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to Helen Martin’s work.

This off-the-beaten track village has become an increasingly popular spot for visitors over the past years. Also a popular residence for many artists who has settle here over the past few years. In the village you can find various alternative healing therapies, a variety of Restaurants, coffee shops, a Pub and Art Galleries. Activities such as horse riding, mountain biking, birding, hiking and walking and excursions to Busman paintings.
In this surroundings "Rustpunt" offers comfortable accommodation in a relaxed country atmosphere at one of the best spots in Nieu Bethesda, just 2 minutes walk to the Owl House and the centre of the village with al its attractions . Come and enjoy the refreshing Karoo air.

What to see and do in Nieu Bethesda

-The Owl House Arno ~ 049 8411 733 / theowlhouse@mweb.co.za

- Frans Boekkooi’s Sculpture Studio and Heidi’s Gallery next to the Brewery. Meet this acclaimed artist and see work by other Eastern Cape artists in the adjoining gallery. Frans ~ 049 8411 636 / 082 865 2699 / heidikb@mweb.co.za

- The Post Office, this eccentric little eatery also offers everything from home grown herbs to hand knitted blankets. You can also stock up on freshly baked bread, delightful jams, chutneys and pickles (or mail a postcard!)~ 049 8411 636

- Nieu Bethesda Arts Centre for art and crafts created by locals. Art, music, dance, theatre... visit the gallery, see a class in progress or take part in a workshop. Muller Street. 049-8411731 / jeni@bethesdafoundation.org-

- Go for a guided Donkey Cart Ride with Jacob – you´ll find him under the pepper tree in front of the Owl House.

- James Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre for fossils and replicas of creatures nearly 200 million years older than the dinosaurs found in this area.

-The Cemetery ~ with graves dating back hundreds of years, many of them unmarked save for their beautiful local stone, this is a peaceful and pretty place to spend a quiet time.

-Ganora Excursions ~ Guided tours are offered to San and Khoi shelters on the farm where rock art dating back to 10 000 years ago can be viewed as well as a collection of Bushman artifacts and fossils in a private museum. Hester ~ 049-8411302 / 0826980029 / info@ganora.co.za

Where to eat in Nieu Bethesda

Lunch or dinner. Situated in the Post Office, the menu this eccentric little eatery changes daily ~ but you can expect real comfort food, varying from an authentic Dutch pea soup to lamb bredie, burgers and milktart. Please book if possible.